State of emergency imposed at Philippine island

A state of emergency has been imposed on a southern Philippine island after rebels threatened to kill a Red Cross worker if the security forces continue to pursue them.



The aid worker is one of three held captive by the militants since January 15.



They were abducted after a visit to a local prison, where the International Committee of the Red Cross is funding a water project.



The declaration puts all security forces on alert on Jolo island and restricts the movement of people.



The head of the Philippine Red Cross is appealing to the militants to spare the hostages\' lives.



BUT there has so far been no word on the fate of the hostages.